Rechargeable Thermal Batteries for Airborne Systems

Rechargeable (secondary) batteries are needed for improved aircraft systems, that have both high energy density (Whr/liter), high mass density (kg/liter), and can deliver their stored energy in moderately high power pulses over an extended period of time.Thermal batteries are candidates to meet this need.Thermal batteries are traditionally considered non-rechargeable (primary), operating at elevated temperature; however secondary versions are possible.Recently developed electrode and electrolyte materials however have shown promise for use in secondary thermal batteries.A renewed assessment of the viability of secondary thermal batteries is thus needed.Eskra Technical Products (ETP) proposes to begin meeting this need through a two-fold approach during Phase I.The first is performance of a survey of recent efforts at development of thermal batteries.This will include identification of promising electrode and electrolyte materials.Designs of secondary thermal batteries will be done based on this research. The second is experimental demonstration of two promising high temperature rechargable batteries.During Phase II more mature multicell batteries will be engineered, built and demonstrated for USAF applications.